Samsung Can Sell Disputed Devices In U.S., For Now

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge has blocked Apple Inc.'s attempt to prevent Samsung Electronics Co. from selling certain smartphones and tablets in the U.S. because they allegedly infringe iPhone and iPad patents.

Judge Lucy Koh of the U.S. District Court in San Jose on Friday denied Apple's request for a preliminary injunction against Samsung. The ruling means that Samsung will be able to sell its Infuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G, Tab 10.1 and Droid Charge in the U.S. while it fights Apple's patent lawsuit.

Apple claims that Samsung's devices illegally borrow from the iPhone's and iPad's design.

Apple has had mixed results so far in its campaign against Samsung. Apple won a victory in Australia, where the country's highest court on Friday extended a temporary ban on sales of the Galaxy tablet until at least Dec. 9 as the court considers Apple's arguments.

The companies have filed lawsuits in 10 countries. Courts in several nations, including Germany and the Netherlands, have issued rulings that favor Apple.

"It's no coincidence that Samsung's latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging," Apple said in a statement. "This kind of blatant copying is wrong and, as we've said many times before, we need to protect Apple's intellectual property when companies steal our ideas."

Samsung representatives did not immediately return an email message on Saturday. The company maintains that its products are distinctive from Apple's.